Intense Pulsed Light Therapy – IPL
IPL involves the use of highly concentrated pulses of light energy that are converted into heat energy to gently treat skin damage, such as sun spots, freckles, red capillaries, spider veins, facial redness, rosacea, and enlarged pores. A typical session lasts 30 to 60 minutes and requires little to no downtime. Improvement appears gradually following
treatment. Most patients require 2 to 5 sessions for optimal results and these should be spaced out 4-6 weeks apart.
IPL is not recommended for people who tend to get thick, raised keloid scars and is most effective on patients with lighter skin and hair.
How is IPL Different from Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy treats the skin from the top layer down. The energy is directed on the surface of the skin, and works its way down to the desired pigment cells/follicles for treatment. This can leave residual damage to the uppermost layer of skin, resulting in long-term skin damage. Due to its scattered nature, IPL reaches the second layer of the skin, keeping your epidermis safe from the energy designed to damage.
How should I prepare for IPL treatment?
In general, in order to have a successful IPL treatment, you should avoid the following before your procedure:
- Waxing
- Tanning beds
- Sunburn
- Chemical peels
- Collagen injections
- Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and other drugs that increase your risk for bleeding
- Any products containing Vitamin A, retinol or glycolic acid
- Any medication that makes the skin more sensitive (Accutane, Tetracycline, etc)
What can I expect at the time of treatment?
Prior to treatment, special goggles will be placed to protect your eyes, and a topical anesthetic cream will be applied to the area to be treated. The glass head of the hand piece will lightly contact the target areas, delivering quick pulses, or flashes, of light. You can expect to feel a slight sting with each pulse, much like a small rubber band snapping against your skin. The treatment is very tolerable with minimal discomfort.
What is the downtime/recovery process?
Most patients are able to resume normal activity within 24 hours. Immediately following the procedure, you may experience temporary redness and swelling/tightness of the area treated. If this is bothersome, a cold compress can be applied to the area for 10-15 minutes at a time and this generally resolves within 6-24 hrs of completing treatment. Freckles and dark spots will darken and then flake off within 2 to 3 weeks. During the recovery period, it is important to be vigilant about sun protection, including wearing/reapplying sunscreen routinely, wearing a hat, or taking other protective measures. To conceal any imperfections during the healing process, makeup and moisturizers can be used freely. Within 2 to 3 weeks, your skin will become clearer and more radiant. Improvement in texture and appearance will continue for up to 1 month following treatment.
*All laser treatments are offered on select dates at Nurture Wellcare Marketplace (2949 Federal Blvd, suite 235, Denver, CO); Dates are announced on Instagram/Facebook as they are scheduled, or
IPL involves the use of highly concentrated pulses of light energy that are converted into heat energy to gently treat skin damage, such as sun spots, freckles, red capillaries, spider veins, facial redness, rosacea, and enlarged pores. A typical session lasts 30 to 60 minutes and requires little to no downtime. Improvement appears gradually following
treatment. Most patients require 2 to 5 sessions for optimal results and these should be spaced out 4-6 weeks apart.
IPL is not recommended for people who tend to get thick, raised keloid scars and is most effective on patients with lighter skin and hair.
How is IPL Different from Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy treats the skin from the top layer down. The energy is directed on the surface of the skin, and works its way down to the desired pigment cells/follicles for treatment. This can leave residual damage to the uppermost layer of skin, resulting in long-term skin damage. Due to its scattered nature, IPL reaches the second layer of the skin, keeping your epidermis safe from the energy designed to damage.
How should I prepare for IPL treatment?
In general, in order to have a successful IPL treatment, you should avoid the following before your procedure:
- Waxing
- Tanning beds
- Sunburn
- Chemical peels
- Collagen injections
- Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and other drugs that increase your risk for bleeding
- Any products containing Vitamin A, retinol or glycolic acid
- Any medication that makes the skin more sensitive (Accutane, Tetracycline, etc)
What can I expect at the time of treatment?
Prior to treatment, special goggles will be placed to protect your eyes, and a topical anesthetic cream will be applied to the area to be treated. The glass head of the hand piece will lightly contact the target areas, delivering quick pulses, or flashes, of light. You can expect to feel a slight sting with each pulse, much like a small rubber band snapping against your skin. The treatment is very tolerable with minimal discomfort.
What is the downtime/recovery process?
Most patients are able to resume normal activity within 24 hours. Immediately following the procedure, you may experience temporary redness and swelling/tightness of the area treated. If this is bothersome, a cold compress can be applied to the area for 10-15 minutes at a time and this generally resolves within 6-24 hrs of completing treatment. Freckles and dark spots will darken and then flake off within 2 to 3 weeks. During the recovery period, it is important to be vigilant about sun protection, including wearing/reapplying sunscreen routinely, wearing a hat, or taking other protective measures. To conceal any imperfections during the healing process, makeup and moisturizers can be used freely. Within 2 to 3 weeks, your skin will become clearer and more radiant. Improvement in texture and appearance will continue for up to 1 month following treatment.
*All laser treatments are offered on select dates at Nurture Wellcare Marketplace (2949 Federal Blvd, suite 235, Denver, CO); Dates are announced on Instagram/Facebook as they are scheduled, or